Claviceps purpurea var. spartinae var nov.: An ergot adapted to the aquatic environment

We investigated systematic relationships and morphological and ecological features of an ergot that commonly infects species of the maritime grass Spartina. Phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 sequences demonstrated that the Spartina ergot is placed in a clade with Claviceps purpurea. Structural differences of sclerotia distinguish it from the Claviceps purpurea var. purpurea as seen on rye and other grasses. Sclerotia from Spartina are larger and contain large intercellular spaces and have thicker rinds than sclerotia of C. p. purpurea. Sclerotia of the Spartina Claviceps float in 1% saline and fresh water while those of C. p. purpurea sink. In addition, the Spartina Claviceps has a unique alkaloid profile. In recognition of the differences between C. purpurea and the Spartina ergot a new variety, C. p. spartinae var. nov., is proposed.